Support for identity cards falls

The number in favour of ID cards fell 5% in three months. In August this year 60% of those questioned said they supported the scheme, but by November that figure was 55%.

Opposition to the £4.7 billion scheme grew by 2% in the same period to just over a quarter.

Some 42% of those questioned thought ID cards wouldn’t disrupt terrorists and 39% thought they wouldn’t stop illegal immigrants. Of those opposed to ID cards, a third said they would be an infringement of civil rights, and a quarter thought they were a waste of money.

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But 73% said they would help people working in secure locations prove their identity.

Home Office minister Meg Hillier said: “Our research shows that over the last 18 months, support for the National Identity Scheme has remained high averaging 60%.

“We are committed to carry on the work to communicate the real and recognisable benefits identity cards are starting to bring.